Wireless Object Detection Using Orientation-Based Zone Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring locationing systems to accurately detect objects within specific zones is challenging due to the complexity of three-dimensional geometry, making it difficult for users to define workstation boundaries using angular information from detectors angled downwards.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize an orientation sensor in wireless detectors to sense their spatial attitude, allowing users to define solid angles relative to a horizontal plane, and transform detected directions to align with the same spatial reference plane for accurate zone detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If detectors are installed in elevated positions angled downwards to achieve good reception and angular resolution, then detection accuracy is improved, but the complexity of defining workstation boundaries increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordinate transformation intermediary that converts angular coordinates from the detector's reference frame to a workstation-centered reference frame. This intermediary layer abstracts the complex three-dimensional geometry from the user, allowing simple zone definition while maintaining precise angular detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the parameter reference frame from detector-centered angular coordinates to workstation-centered coordinates. By changing the reference parameters and adding an orientation sensor to capture detector spatial attitude, the system enables intuitive zone definition without requiring users to understand complex angular geometries.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users manually define angular ranges for workstation boundaries, then configuration flexibility is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coordinate transformation system acts as an intermediary that automatically handles the complex angular calculations. Users simply define zones in the intuitive workstation-centered frame, and the system automatically transforms these definitions to the detector's angular coordinate system, maintaining both flexibility and ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of calculating and defining angular boundaries with an automated computational system. The orientation sensor and coordinate transformation algorithm automatically perform the geometric calculations that would otherwise require complex manual configuration.
3Measurement precision
If a reference tag configuration procedure is implemented to automatically determine workstation ambit, then measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by having the user define one reference workstation once. The coordinate transformation parameters are then pre-calculated and stored for reuse across all detectors and workstations, eliminating the need for time-consuming configuration of each individual zone while maintaining precise boundary detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal coordinate transformation system that works across multiple detectors and workstations. The once-defined reference workstation establishes transformation parameters that can be applied universally throughout the system, reducing configuration time for additional zones while maintaining accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Simplifies the configuration process by aligning angular data with a user-friendly coordinate system, reducing errors and improving the accuracy of object detection within zones, enhancing the reliability of locationing systems in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
an orientation sensor for sensing the spatial attitude of the detector
Implementation Method 2
an orientation sensor for sensing the spatial attitude of the detector
Implementation Method 3
detector devices can receive signals from objects' tags... Each detector that receives a signal from a tag can estimate the direction and optionally the range of the tag from the detector based on the received signal
Data Source
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Figure 5a~5c
AI summary
A method for detecting the presence of an object in a zone by means of a wireless detector located proximal to the zone, the wireless detector comprising an orientation sensor for sensing the spatial attitude of the detector, the method comprising: defining a solid angle relative to a first spatial reference plane, the solid angle being defined such that at least part of the zone is within that solid angle when the solid angle is projected from the location of the detector; detecting by means of the detector a wireless signal from the object, and thereby estimating the direction of the object from the detector with reference to a second spatial reference plane fixed relative to the detector; sensing by means of the orientation sensor the spatial attitude of the detector; and comparing the solid angle and the estimated direction in dependence on the sensed spatial attitude so as to determine whether the object is present in the zone.